Container spout, with axially movable, horizontally swingable pouring extension, and a captive closure



Jan. 10, 1967 J. B. SWETT CONTAINER SPOUT, WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE. HORIZONTALLY SWINGABLE POURING EXTENSION, AND A CAPTIVE CLOSURE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 25, 1965 INVENTOR. JAM ES B. SWETT ATTORNEY Jan. 10, 1967 J. B. sWETT 3,297,208

CONTAINER SPOUT, WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE, HORIZONTALLY SWINGABLE POURING EXTENSION, AND A CAPTIVE CLOSURE Filed June 23, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet a INVENTOR JAMES B. SWETT AORNE United States Patent This invention relates to dispensing containers and more particularly to dispensing containers of the type exhibiting an upstanding spout wherein means are provided for directing the flow of fluid from such spout. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a container having a spout upon which a collar member is vertically slidable thereupon from a retracted lower position to an upper fluid dispensing position wherein said collar member acts as a fluid directing means by which fluid within such container may be dispensed therefrom through such spout means.

Prior art devices of this type particularly adapted for dispensing of viscous materials such as syrup and the like present several disadvantages both in utility and structure among which is the use of a separate fluid dispensing means operable with the spout or neck of a fluid container which directing means must be assembled in relationship to the neck or spout of the container for each use thereof and thereafter removed. Another disadvantage is the inability of many of such prior art devices to permit a positive closure of the neck or spout area thereof while the fluid directing means is in contact therewith or mounted thereupon. A further shortcoming of such devices is the use of drip or flow cut-off structures which do not permit flexibility in use or a degree of controlled fluid dispensing and shut-off.

Thus, the major object of this invention is to provide means which avoid or overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of prior art structures and which present a compact, easy to use and clean combination container, closure and dispensing means.

With the above, and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a container with portions cut away and the dispensing means of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the dispenser shown in FIGURE 1 of the drawings;

' FIGURE 3 is a side view with the major portion of the container cut away and shows the relationship between the container closure and the dispensing means;

' FIGURE 4 is a partial sectional view along the line 4-4 in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a partial side view similar to the showing set forth in FIGURE 3 but wherein the container is shown in a partially inverted condition and wherein the dispensing 60 apparatus is in position to direct flow of fluid therefrom;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the dispensing structure of the present-invention and shows in particular the relationship between the upper portions of the spout and surrounding collar;

' FIGURE 7 is a perspective View of the'collar member of the present invention; 1

FIGURE 8 is a plan view of the collar member shown in FIGURE 7 of the drawings;

FIGURES9a, 9b and 9c are partial sectional views 70 showing respectively the relationship of the fluid directing means of the present mvention-in dispensing operation, in

Patented Jan. 10, 1967 intermediate non-dispensing position and in full non-dispensing position;

FIGURE 10 is a partial perspective view similar to FIGURE 1 but showing the collar rotated about the spout to a temporary non-use and storage position; and,

FIGURE 11 is a plan view of the dispenser shown in the position set out in FIGURE 10.

Like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the drawings.

Referring to the drawings and more particularly to FIGURE 1 thereof, there is shown a container 10 of general ovate cross-sectional configuration and a container closure 12 therefor. A fluid seal is formed between the container closure and the peripheral internal lip of the container itself in the manner as set forth in US. Patents 2,789,608 and 2,859,786. The closure 12 is further provided with a centrally depressed wall 14 which forms the top wall of the container 10, which wall 14 is further provided with an upstanding spout structure 16. Such spout 16 is as best shown in FIGURE 4 of the drawings of thin wall hollow cylindrical configuration and is integrally formed with the top wall 14 so that such spout 16 provides an opening into the interior of the container body 10. The spout thus is vertically upstanding in relationship to the top wall 14 and is further provided at its upper terminus with an outwardly flared portion 18.

' Also integral with the top wall 14 is a spaced trunnion structure 20 in which a spout closure member 22 having a rearwardly extending strap 24 is engaged for pivotal movement thereabout. The spout closure 22 is further provided with a downwardly opening U-shaped peripheral groove 26 formed by means of an outer wall 28, an inner wall 30 and a connecting wall 32. Centrally depressed of the U-shaped rim is an imperforate wall 34 to complete the structure of the spout closure 22. As can be best seen frorn'FIGURE 4 of the drawings, the interrelationship of the outwardly flared peripheral rim 18 and the U-shaped groove 26 is such that the closure 22 forms an air-tight seal therebetween much in the manner as set forth in US. Patent 2,487,400. The outer wall of the U-shaped peripheral groove 26 is further provided at the .side distal to the strap 24 with a finger engageable tab ,36 so that the spout closure 22 may be readily removed from the spout 16 in a particular manner as will hereinafter be brought out.

The dispensing device of the present invention is further provided with a collar member 38 surrounding the spout 16 and vertically slidable thereupon from a lower retracted position as shown in FIGURES 3 and 4 to an upper fluid directing dispensing position as shown in FIG- URES 5 and 6. As such collar member 38 has a lower cylindrical neck portion 40 defining an opening 41, fluid directing means 42 and an outwardly flared intermediate wall portion 44 connecting the lower neck portion with the fluid directing means. The lower neck portion is gen erally of cylindrical configuration and is of a diametei generally approximating that of the spout member 16 s( that such will lie in contiguous relationship to each othe: in operative conditions. The inner surface of the lowe: neck portion 40 is provided with at least one inwardl directed circumferential bead 46 which are COIISII'IICII of a deformable material and in use are partially flat tened against the outside portions of the spout 16 so a to inwardly urge the uppermost portions of the intermedi 5 ate wall 44 into contact with the peripheral rim 18 an the spout 16 in a manner as will hereinafter be more full explained. The collar member 38 also has a concave rir portion 48 which is integral with and upwardly and ouwardly directed from the peripheral portions of the inte1 mediate wall 44, which concave rim is provided at on side thereof with a lip 50 which smoothly merges there with. The lip 50 outwardly terminates abruptly alor line 52 and is provided outwardly thereof with a downwardly and outwardly directed lip extension 54. This lip extension 54 terminates in an extremely thin edge 56. The lower neck portion 40 terminates at the lower end thereof along edge 58.

Turning now in particular to FIGURE 6 of the drawings, it should be pointed out that the outward flare of the peripheral spout rim 18 is preferably generally the same as that of the outward flare of the intermediate wall portion 44 of the collar member 38. Also as shown in FIGURE 6, the vertical extent of the rim 18 and the intermediate wall 44 are approximately the same. In this manner then, when the collar member 38 is in its upper dispensing position such as shown in FIGURES and 6, 1 smooth transition is presented between the upper edge [9 of the peripheral rim 18 and the lowermost portions of :he fluid directing means integrally extending from the op portions of the intermediate wall 44. Thus, as shown n FIGURE 6, these portions smoothly abut each other 1nd are in adjacent fayed relationship to each other. In his manner then, a smooth uninterrupted path is preented for fluid flow thereover. The coaction of these lared members further provides a stop of progressive inreased frictional resistance through which the user may onveniently position the collar 38 upon the spout 16 in he proper dispensing attitude as represented by FIG- IRES 5 and 6.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGURE 6 the respective pproximately equal outward flare of the intermediate 'all 44 and the peripheral rim 18 makes possible a tight :aling contact between the contiguous inner surface of re intermediate member 44 and the outer surface of the :ripheral rim 18 so that fluid material passing over the nooth uppermost transition between such members does at tend to collect on said respective surfaces. This acan may be enhanced by the provision of inwardly dicted beads 46 on the lower cylindrical portion 40 of the llar 38 wherein such beads not only serve to present a :formed slide contact point between the inner surface the neck 40 and the outer surface of the spout 16, but iditionally by slightly spacing such surfaces tend to arately urge the upper portions of intermediate wall 44 wards the right as shown by the arrow in FIGURE 6 as to further enhance the sealing effect between the 161 surfaces of the outwardly flared surfaces of the llar member and the spout. Turning now to FIGURE 4 of the drawings it particuly may be seen that the vertical extent of the collar :mber 38 is somewhat less than that of the spout 16 so Hi the closure member 22 may be positioned thereupon en the collar member 38 is in its retracted position as awn. In such retracted position, the lower terminal I 58 of the collar 40 contactingly abuts the top wall and s limits its downward slidable extent on the outside faces of the spout 16. Fhe operation of the device is as follows: Starting with container 10 and the dispensing means of the present ention in the position generally shown in FIGURES ad 4 of the drawings, the user grasps the finger tab 36 removes the closure 22 from the spout opening by an late movement to the position as shown in FIGURE f the drawings. The outside arcuate portions of the l dispensing means 42 may then be grasped and updly urged so as to slidably move the collar 38 along outside surfaces of the spout 16 until the intermediate vardly flared side wall 44 thereof abuttingly contacts outside surfaces of the peripheral rim 18 as depicted IGURE 6 of the drawing. The container is then d in the manner as shown in FIGURE 9a of the drawwherein fluid is readily dispensed therefrom as shown he direction of the arrows therein. When it is desired educe further dispensing of fluid, the container 10 is :l in the reverse direction so that the dispensing means 'natively takes on an intermediate position shown by URE 9b of the drawings and a final resting position as shown by FIGURE 90. FIGURE thus represents the position of the dispensing means 42 and its relationship with the peripheral rim 18 of the spout when the container 10 is supported by a supporting surface. The operation of the lip extension 54 is best illustrated by reference to intermediate position as represented by FIGURE 9b of the drawings in which the pouring lip 50 is shown in a generally horizontal position. In such showing it should be noted that the knife edge 56 of the lip extension 54 acts to cleanly interrupt the flow of material thereover and serves as a point for drip formation and release of any material temporarily present on the lip extension 54.

The general over-all configuration of the fluid flow path as determined by the cooperative configuration of the peripheral rim 18 and the dispensing flow directing means 42 serves to permit a degree of control to be exerted over the termination of the fluid flow. Thus, fluid passing out of the container 10 must initially flow upwardly and outwardly over the peripheral rim 18, then in turn downwardly and outwardly over the lip 50 and finally downwardly outwardly over the lip extension 54. It may thus be apparent that three separate flow paths of varying slope are present and by means of such, flow may be terminated in degrees as indicated in FIGURES 9a, 9b and 90 wherein the bulk of fluid flow passing out of the container is terminated at an intermediate point as depicted by FIGURE 9b wherein the lip 50 is in approximately horizontal position by the abrupt change of direction between the lip 50 and the lip extension 54 along the line 52. At the same time a sharp flow cut-off to prevent dribble is afforded at the knife edge termination 56 of the lip extension 54 also as shown in FIGURE 9b. When the container is returned to its normal supported position as illustrated by FIGURE 9c of the drawings, the fluid is free to return over the smooth transition provided by the fayed abutment and between the peripheral rim 18 and the intermediate wall portion 44 of the collar in the direction of the arrows therein shown and thus fluid necessarily present within the fluid directing means is returned to the container 10. The shape of the collar 38 in presenting three flow paths of varying slope thus affords a higher degree of fluid flow termination than would be afforded by a conventional pouring lip or spout whether such conventional lip or spout is provided with a drip cutoff edge or not.

After the fluid flow has been terminated the user may then by downwardly urging the collar 38 so as to place such in a retracted position and additionally expose the peripheral rim 18 so that the spout opening may be closed by means of closure member 22. Occasionally when dispensing extremely viscous substances such as pancake syrup and the like, a sugary residue is formed on the collar 38 and in particular along the upper surfaces of the lip 50 and may inconveniently come into contact with the users fingers when it is desired to reopen the spout opening by arcuately swinging the closure 22 therefrom. Accordingly, the cooperation between the spout 16 and the collar 38 is such that rotation of the collar in relation thereto is possible. Thus, as may be apparent from FIGURES 10 and 11 of the drawings, the collar 38 may be rotated to the position as therein shown in such a manner that the finger engaging tab 36 of the closure member 22 projects over the upper portions of the collar and may be utilized to open and close the spout without the need for the user to contact the lip 50. This operation serves to prevent sticky fingers ensuing from the use of the dispensing device of the present invention.

It should also be brought out that the collar 38 is deformably removable from the spout if such be desired for periodic cleaning, although cleaning of the fluid contacting surfaces is normally effected by directing a flow of cleansing water upon the upper surfaces of the lip 50, which water is then directed about the other fluid contacting surfaces. Such ordinary cleaning may take place with the closure 22 either opened or closed,-with the latter preferred so that water would not enter the container through an open spout in that position. The provision of rotatably mounting the collar 38 upon the spout 16 further affords the advantage of being able to swing such about so that the fluid directing portions of such are wholly within the circumferential confines of the container closure 12 as illustrated in FIGURE 11, which position affords increased compactness during shipping and handling of the device and storage.

It is thus believed, therefore, that the present invention sets forth the preferred embodiment for a container and dispenser therefor which is simple, clear and positive in its operation which affords advantages over prior art construction as set forth in the preceding objects. It should also be noted that it is possible to produce still other embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts herein disclosed and as set forth in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A container for fluids and the like comprising a hollow container body defined by closure walls, a vertically disposed spout formed integrally in tone of said walls, said spout having a body portion opening into the interior of said body and upwardly terminating in a peripheral rim portion, a collar member having fluid directing means rotatably positioned on said spout, said collar member of a lesser vertical extent than said spout and being vertically movable on said spout from a retracted lower position to an upper directed fluid dispensing position, and closure means having a finger engageable extension thereon for said container operatively engageable with said spout peripheral rim portion when said collar is in retracted position, said collar rotatable upon said spout from a fluid dispensing position to a position wherein said extension projects beyond said fluid directing means.

2. A container for fluids and the like comprising a hollow container body defined by bottom, side and top walls, a vertically disposed hollow cylindrical spout integrally formed in said top wall, said spout having a main body wall portion upwardly terminating in an outwardly flared peripheral rim, a collar member mounted on the outside wall portions of said spout and vertically slidable thereupon, said collar member having a lower cylindrical neck portion engageable with said spout, fluid directing means positioned uppermost on said spout and an outwardly flared intermediate portion connecting said lower neck portion with said fluid directing means, said collar member being of a lesser vertical extent than said spout and being vertically movable on said spout from a retracted lowermost position wherein said collar lower neck portion engages said top wall to an uppermost directed fluid dispensing position wherein the intermediate portion of said collar engages the peripheral rim of said spout so as to limit the upper point of vertical movement of said collar upon said spout, and separate closure means for said container operatively engageable with said spout peripheral rim portion when said collar is in retracted position.

3. A container for fluids and the like comprising a hollow container body defined by bottom, side and top walls, a vertically disposed hollow cylindrical spout integrally formed in said top wall, said spout having a main body wall portion upwardly terminating in an outwardly flared peripheral rim, a collar member mounted on the outside wall portions of said spout and vertically slidable thereupon, said collar member having a lower cylindrical neck portion engageable with said spout, fluid directing means positioned uppermost on said spout and an outwardly flared intermediate portion connecting said lower neck portion with said fluid directing means, the vertical extent and outward flare, of said intermediate portion being substantially that of said spout peripheral rim, the total lower vertical extent of said lower neck and intermediate portions of said collar member being less than said spout, said collar member being vertically movable on said spout from a retracted lowermost position wherein said collar lower neck portion engages said top wall to an uppermost directed fluid dispensing position wherein the intermediate portion of said collar and the peripheral rim of said spout are in general superposed contiguous and fayed relationship so as to limit the upper point of vertical movement of said collar upon said spout and to provide a smooth transition from said spout to said fluid directing means, and separate closure means for said container operatively engageable with said spout peripheral rim portion when said collar is in retracted position.

4. A structure according to claim 2 wherein the inner lower cylindrical portion of the collar is provided with at least one inwardly directed circumferential bead, which head is in elastically deformed slidable contact with the outside surface of said lower spout portion so as to provide a slight space between major portions of said spout lower cylindrical portions of said collar lower cylindrical portion, said head further arcuately urging the upper terminal portions of said intermediate portion inwardly against said spout peripheral rim.

5. A collar member adapted to vertically slide upon an upwardly directed cylindrical spout having an upper outwardly flared peripheral rim comprising a lower cylindrical neck portion, fluid directing means and an outwardly flared intermediate portion connecting said lower neck portion with said fluid directing means, said fluid directing means comprising a concave rim upwardly extending from the terminus of said intermediate portion wherein one side thereof is provided with a laterally extending lip smoothly merging therewith, said lip of general concave configuration and extending upwardly and outwardly from the intermediate portion of said one end, said lip abruptly terminating in a downwardly outwardly directed extension, said extension in turn terminating in a thin edge.

6. A container for fluids and the like comprising a hollow container body defined by bottom, side and top walls, a vertically disposed hollow cylindrical spout integrally formed in said top wall, said spout having a main body wall portion upwardly terminating in an outwardly flared peripheral rim, a collar member adapted to vertically slide upon an upwardly directed cylindrical spout having an upper outwardly flared peripheral rim comprising a lower cylindrical neck portion, fluid directing means and an outwardly flared intermediate portion connecting said lower neck portion with said fluid directing means, said fluid directing means comprising a concave rim upwardly extending from the terminus of said intermediate portion wherein one side thereof is provided with a laterally extending lip smoothly merging therewith, said lip of general concave configuration and extending upwardly and outwardly from the intermediate portion at said one end, said lip abruptly terminating in a downwardly outwardly directed extension, said extension in turn terminating in a thin edge.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 789,230 5/1905 Peacock 2221 11 1,660,654 2/1928 Nichols 222-533 2,753,051 7/1956 Tupper 220-305 2,950,847 8/1960 Tupper 222-543 X 2,993,629 7/1961 Ruhnke 222-570 X FOREIGN PATENTS 154,034 11/1920 Great Britain.

RAPHAEL M. LUPO, Primary Examiner. 

5. A COLLAR MEMBER ADAPTED TO VERTICALLY SLIDE UPON AN UPWARDLY DIRECTED CYLINDRICAL SPOUT HAVING AN UPPER OUTWARDLY FLARED PERIPHERAL RIM COMPRISING A LOWER CYLINDRICAL NECK PORTION, FLUID DIRECTING MEANS AND AN OUTWARDLY FLARED INTERMEDIATE PORTION CONNECTING SAID LOWER NECK PORTION WITH SAID FLUID DIRECTING MEANS, SAID FLUID DIRECTING MEANS COMPRISING A CONCAVE RIM UPWARDLY EXTENDING FROM THE TERMINUS OF SAID INTERMEDIATE PORTION WHEREIN ONE SIDE THEREOF IS PROVIDED WITH A LATERALLY EXTENDING LIP SMOOTHLY MERGING THEREWITH, SAID LIP OF GENERAL CONCAVE CONFIGURATION AND EXTENDING UPWARDLY AND OUTWARDLY FROM THE INTERMEDIATE PORTION OF SAID ONE END, SAID LIP ABRUPTLY TERMINATING IN A DOWNWARDLY OUTWARDLY DIRECTED EXTENSION, SAID EXTENSION IN TURN TERMINATING IN A THIN EDGE. 